F&B complexes to come up in Muscat

To meet the increase in demand from tourists for new attractions, the government is planning to build a dedicated precincts’ that offer a range of retail and food and beverage (F&B) offerings.

By 2020, the project aims to bring RO44 million of private investment and contribute to 60,000 arrivals to the Sultanate.

The initiative also aims to upgrade the regulations that govern food and beverage outlets while improving the quality of the existing F&B outlets, said The Implementation Support and Follow-Up Unit (ISFU) in its report.

The goal of the initiative in 2017 was to facilitate the completion of the identified projects in accordance with the agreed project milestones.

Some of the projects identified achievements during 2017 include the Muscat Food Court. “This project which has been approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Royal Oman Police and Muscat Municipality
will be located in the heart of Muscat city.”

Al Sarooj Restaurant Complex will include three restaurants. The master plan has been approved and the private investor has signed an usufruct agreement with the Ministry of Tourism.

The Azaiba F&B Complex the beach area will offer an exclusive experience to visitors. The master plan was approved by MoT and the usufruct agreement has already been signed.

In 2018, the group will continue to monitor the projects to ensure they progress as per the agreement while solving any issues that may arise. The government will also focus on the development of Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC)’s F&B outlets in the form of food trucks or food booths, to be operated by SMEs.

“Once the working group overcomes some administrative issues faced by this pilot project, the group will focus on developing similar unconventional F&B outlets in other tourist locations,” the report said.